The urinary tract plays several important roles in the body. The kidneys regulate fluid and electrolyte levels, filter toxins from the blood, regulate blood pressure, and store urine internally. Urinary Catheters are used by people who suffer from conditions affecting the urinary tract. Maintaining the bladder's health is especially important in these situations. Here are 12 things you can do to maintain bladder health and ensure healthy urinary tract issues.
How do urinary catheters work?
It is a hollow, partially flexible tube that collects urine from the bladder and leads it to a drainage bag. A urinary catheter is available in a wide range of sizes and types. When you cannot empty your bladder, you may need a catheter. Emptying the bladder regularly to prevent urine buildup and kidney pressure is important. It is possible that the force can cause kidney failure, which can be dangerous and result in kidney damage for the rest of a person's life.
Catheters are usually necessary until you can urinate again within a few weeks. The use of urinary catheters may be needed permanently or for longer by seniors and those with serious illnesses or permanent injuries.
Keep a regular cathing schedule.
A prolonged hold of urine can cause the bladder to overextend. An overextension of the bladder can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI) because it weakens the bladder tissue.
Ensure that the bladder is empty before cathing.
If you rush when you self-cathe, the bladder may not be able to drain fully. Be sure that your bladder has been emptied before removing the catheter. As the urine begins to flow, pause until it stops completely before pulling the catheter out. The effect of this will be to remove residual urine, which can serve as an incubator for bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Maintaining hydration keeps your kidneys healthy and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. Maintaining a constant flow of urine through your urinary tract is made easier by drinking water throughout the day. By flushing out UTI-causing organisms, you can prevent problems from occurring. Some people don't need to drink so much water due to health conditions like kidney disease or heart disease. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure how much fluid is healthy.
After having a bowel movement, wipe from front to back.
Feces contain a large number of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. You naturally have these organisms in your gut, where they are harmless. If they enter the urinary system, they can cause problems. Good hygiene after bowel movements can prevent these organisms from entering the bladder.
Choose loose, breathable clothing made of cotton.
Tight-fitting pants and nylon underwear can trap moisture in the urethral area and make bacteria grow. You need airflow to survive.
Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly.
Increased abdominal pressure is likely to cause pelvic floor and urethral function disorders associated with obesity. Physical activity and strengthening abdominal muscles can maintain healthy body weight, and physical activity can reduce constipation. Choosing healthy food choices and exercising together is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. You may be able to lose weight with certain treatments. Making better food choices and increasing physical activity can also be achieved by working closely with a dietician or physical therapist.
Maintain a healthy blood sugar level if you are diabetic.
The increased blood sugar in the body can damage the bladder nerves, leading to incontinence and urinary retention. Additionally, extra sugar excreted in the urine can increase your UTI risk since sugar creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth. Your doctor can help you with a diabetes management plan if you find it hard to keep your blood sugar under control.
You should avoid constipation.
Colon pressure can prevent the bladder from expanding properly due to hard stool in the colon. As a result, UTI may occur. Additionally, constipation can make incontinence, urinary frequency, and urge worse. Drinking enough water, consuming fiber foods, and exercising to prevent constipation is essential. It is possible to resolve chronic constipation with medications or other interventions.
Avoid foods and drinks that irritate the bladder.
Some certain foods and drinks can cause lower urinary tract symptoms due to chemical compounds in them. Artificial sweeteners (such as sodium saccharin, aspartame, and acesulfame K) should be avoided completely as they can cause bladder inflammation. Stevia products are also sensitive to some people. Several people experience increased bladder irritation after consuming carbonated drinks, spicy food, citrus fruits and juices, and tomato-based foods. These foods can irritate bladder tissue since they are acidic. Alcohol and caffeine can also worsen bladder symptoms.
If you consume these items in moderate amounts, drinking plenty of water to dilute them once they reach the bladder is best.
Don't smoke.
People who smoke are more likely to have bladder problems. In addition to increasing the risk of bladder cancer, smoking increases the risk of oral cancer. The majority of insurance companies will cover medications that help you quit smoking.
Make regular visits to your urologist.
Catheter users must undergo regular examinations to ensure their urinary tract is healthy. Urologists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of urinary tract problems. Catheter users tend to see their urologist yearly for a checkup.
Choose a catheter supply company that offers high-quality products.
Many individuals accept poorly managed medical supply companies, which deliver faulty products, inconsistently and do not provide satisfactory customer support. Patients using catheters may find themselves without critical supplies due to service inconsistencies, leading to poor outcomes. The stress surrounding this area of life can even be exacerbated by poor customer service. Catheter supply companies like Sky Medical Supplies, which consistently provide reliable and accurate service in a stress-free environment, are helpful to an individual's bladder health plan. In addition to offering free access to nurses and insurance experts, excellent catheter companies will also offer educational resources so you can make informed choices and stay on top of your health.
What is the best way to take care of a urinary catheter?
Catheters are available as single-use intermittent catheters and reuse. Ensure to wash the catheter and the area where the catheter enters the body with soap and water after each use to reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection. A single-use intermittent catheter is packaged in sterile packaging, so you can insert it without cleaning your body before doing so.
It is also important to drink plenty of water if you want your urine to remain clear or only slightly yellow. As a result, infection will be prevented. You must empty the drainage bag used for collecting the urine at least every 8 hours and whenever it is full. For cleaning the drainage bag, use a plastic squirt bottle filled with vinegar or bleach mixed with water. As discussed above, urinary catheters come in various sizes for men and women. Choose the right one by visiting Sky Medical Supplies in Denver, Colorado.